iPhone Unavailable Try Again in 15 minutes Stuck | How to Fix

If your iPhone shows “iPhone Unavailable. Try again in 15 minutes” and is stuck on that screen, it means the device has been locked due to too many failed passcode attempts.

You’re now in a security lockout mode. Here’s how to fix it — with or without a computer.


🔒 Why This Happens

Apple introduced the “iPhone Unavailable” message (iOS 15.2+) as part of enhanced security. If incorrect passcodes are entered too many times, your iPhone locks you out for increasing durations:

AttemptsLockout Duration
5 tries1 minute
7 tries5 minutes
8 tries15 minutes (where you’re stuck)
9+ tries1 hour or permanent lock

🛠️ Fix Options (Choose Based on Your Access)

Option 1: Use ‘Erase iPhone’ (No Computer)

If you see an “Erase iPhone” option at the bottom of the screen:

  1. Tap Erase iPhone.

  2. Tap again to confirm.

  3. Enter your Apple ID password (not the device passcode).

  4. iPhone will reset and erase all data, including the passcode.

📝 Note: Your iPhone must be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular and running iOS 15.2 or later.

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Option 2: Use iTunes or Finder (With a Computer)

You can erase and restore your iPhone via Recovery Mode:

🔌 Steps:

  1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC using a Lightning cable.

  2. Put iPhone into Recovery Mode:

    • For iPhone 8/X/11/12/13/14/15:

      • Press and quickly release Volume Up

      • Press and quickly release Volume Down

      • Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery screen.

    • For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

      • Press and hold Volume Down + Side button until recovery screen.

    • For iPhone 6s or earlier:

      • Hold Home + Side (or Top) button until recovery screen.

  3. Your computer will detect the iPhone in recovery mode.

  4. Choose Restore (not Update) in iTunes or Finder.

  5. This will erase the iPhone and install the latest iOS.

  6. After reboot, you can restore from iCloud or iTunes backup, or set it up as new.


Option 3: Use iCloud (Find My iPhone Enabled)

If “Find My iPhone” is turned on:

  1. Go to: https://www.icloud.com/find

  2. Log in with your Apple ID.

  3. Select your iPhone.

  4. Click “Erase iPhone”.

  5. Once erased, you can set it up again.

This works only if the iPhone is connected to the internet and “Find My” was enabled.


❗ Important Notes:

  • All of these methods will erase your iPhone, including your passcode.

  • If you don’t have a backup, you may lose your data.

  • After erasing, you’ll need your Apple ID password to bypass Activation Lock (as part of anti-theft security).


🧠 Stuck on the Screen but Didn’t Enter Wrong Passcodes?

If you’re seeing this message without entering passcodes, it may be a software glitch. Try:

  • Force restart your iPhone:

    • Quickly press and release Volume Up → Volume Down → then hold Side button until you see Apple logo.

  • If that doesn’t help, go through the Recovery Mode steps above.


🧰 Summary Table

SituationFix Method
“Erase iPhone” button visibleUse in-device reset (no computer)
No “Erase iPhone”, but have PC/MacUse iTunes/Finder recovery mode
Have iCloud + Find My onUse iCloud to erase remotely
No backups or Apple ID infoContact Apple Support (proof of ownership needed)

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